There's been a cold wind blowing in the Foothills this week, and it's not expected to go away anytime soon.

Cold Arctic air has been sweeping into southern Alberta, as the temperature drops down to the minus 20's or 30's and the windchills start to make it feel about 10 degrees colder than it already is.

Alberta Health Services is starting to worry about frostbite and the damage the cold can do to folks who aren't dressed for the weather.

Nate Pike, Assistant Public Education Officer for Emergency Medical Services in the Foothills says there's two different stages to frostbite to watch out for, one less serious than the other.

"The progression that we tend to see is more of a frost-net." Pike says "That's where the skin gets a little bit red and tender. When you get to the frostbite side, that's more where the skin's actually frozen solid and the tissue is frozen, that can cause serious tissue damage."

Pike explains that frostbite can set into your skin in a matter of minutes, and in extreme cases can lead to amputations or serious medical issues.

"When we start to get below the minus 20 or minus 30, then you're at the point where exposed skin can literally freeze in just two minutes."

EMS in the Foothills see's most of their cases in commuters, where vehicles have broken down or been involved in accidents and the people involved have to wait in the cold for assistance. Pike says it's super important to be prepared in any situation.

"Commuters for example, anticipating the possibility of potential mechanical failure. So having something in the vehicle that's going to allow them to stay warm, until assistance is able to get to them."

Emergency kits in your vehicles can be incredibly useful in the event of a vehicle breakdown, and you can find information on what to include if you make your own and where to get them by clicking here.

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